Sharpes Books

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Captain William Frederickson

Captain William Frederickson in the Sharpe Books

Surprisingly Captain William Frederickson only appears in three of the Sharpe books being, Sharpe's Enemy, Sharpe's Siege and Sharpe's Revenge, as he seems to be an ever present character towards the end of the series of Sharpe Novels. His first appearance is as the leader of a detachment of rifleman under the newly promoted Major Richard Sharpe's command as he deal with the deserters in Sharpe's Enemy, He then is also under Sharpe's command for the assault at Sharpe's Siege. Any his final appearance is as Sharpe's friend and co-accused in Sharpe's Revenge.

I have read that Bernard Cornwell created William Frederickson to be a character more violent and objectionable than Richard Sharpe especially to offend a minister of Bernard's acquaintance. However I haven't been able to source the quote as yet.

Character and Story

A competent soldier and rifles captain, William Frederickson is a frightening sight on the battlefield, with a bald head no teeth and having lost one eye in previous engagements. Known as sweet william by his soldiers he usually does sport wig, eye patch and false teeth when he isn't dressed for battle.

Born to English and German parentage Captain William Frederickson first serves with Sharpe in 1812 defending the Gateway of God, but before that he had served in Canada with 60th Rifles, who had also seen action earlier in the Peninsular Campaign. Like many rifles companies his company had been split for its regiment and served independently to bolster other units.

He then served under Sharpe again at the siege of Teste de Bulche where his companies suffered at the hands of Captain Bampflyde. He acted as Sharpe's seconds in the subsequent duel with the naval captain. He serves with Sharpe as part of General Nairns Division at the battle of Toulouse in April 1814

After the wars end he also gets charged with Major Richard Sharpe for theft of fictitious gold from the fort a Teste de Buche, and like Sharpe has to escape from arrest to clear his name. During this time he falls for Lucille Castinue, and feels betrayed by Sharpe when Sharpe develops a relationship with her. Sharpe and Frederickson never speak again after this point.

Sources differ on what happens frederickson after this point some suggest her serves with the army in Canada where others suggest he 'is last heard of making plans to be the finest marriage lawyer in London'.

Sharpe Books Featuring Captain William Frederickson

Captain William Frederickson appears in three of of Bernard Cornwell's Sharpe novels including;

Sharpe's Enemy
Sharpe's Siege
Sharpe's Revenge

In the TV series Captain William Frederickson is played by Philip Whitchurch.